Adventure Together: Soak in the last bit of summer with nearby nature and animal excursions

That Pet Place

August can be an oppressive month weatherwise, but it’s also one of impending change. Some kids may be itching to get back to their friends, favorite teachers and the glory of the next grade level, while others may cling to summer with tightly clenched fists. Whether you choose to embrace the heat or escape into air conditioning, the possibilities to stay entertained before summer comes to a close are endless.

Little Buffalo State Park boasts a trifecta of opportunity to stay cool, with a creek, lake and swimming pool. A stream winds along gorgeous paths nearly glowing with ferns, moss, vines and other greenery. If you’re lucky, you’ll even get to see some fungus larger than your head! The Covered Bridge Trail connects with a playground after 0.25 miles, so it’s an easy option for a low-impact nature excursion. The 88-acre lake is wonderful for kayaking or boating. Anglers of all ages can enjoy catch-of-the-day opportunities like largemouth bass, crappie, sunfish and yellow perch, though fishing regulations apply. The Little Buffalo pool has a $6 fee per swimmer. However, The Blue Ball Trail runs along a creek with multiple free access points to wade in and splash.

If you and your family are animal lovers, check out the Capital Area Therapeutic Riding Association (CATRA). Located in Grantville, they offer an atmosphere of support, respect and health for those who can benefit from time spent with animals. They need volunteers to help care for animals, including horses, goats, dogs, cats, rabbits, chickens and alpacas, as well as help maintaining their garden. Volunteers aged 13 and older are welcome, though children under 13 can volunteer with a guardian.

For an indoor excursion, That Fish/Pet Place in Lancaster has air conditioning and offers 88,000 square feet of animal experiences. Patrons can interact with hamsters and rabbits or admire beautiful birds as they chirp and sing. Turtles, frogs, lizards and more populate the reptile and amphibian section of the store. Kids will love the hide-and-seek games that these cold-blooded creatures play. The marine area includes far more than just traditional goldfish, as walls swim with fresh and saltwater fish sparkling beneath aquarium lights. While jumping in the water with these beauties sadly isn’t an option, there is a touch-tank where folks of all ages can pet stingrays. That Fish/Pet Place offers hours of entertainment and education as well as a respite from the heat.

Even though the days are long, summer passes quickly. Maybe it’s because this season is when it’s most fun to be outside, when hours spent playing, laughing and exploring dissolve into minutes. Though summer is nearing its finale, these magical moments are ours to hold, to keep us warm through the seasons to follow.

To find out more about Little Buffalo State Park, visit www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks/FindAPark/LittleBuffaloStatePark.

Capital Area Therapeutic Riding Association is located at 168 Station Rd., Grantville. For more information, visit www.catra.net.

That Fish/Pet Place is located at 237 Centerville Rd., Lancaster. For more information, visit www.thatpetplace.com.

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